Good security makes good business sense. Along with other risks, such as accidents or natural disasters, the possibility of a terrorist attack should be considered as part of a business’ risk management plan.
Businesses can minimise the impact of terrorism by having adequate risk management and business continuity plans in place. These plans need to consider physical security, information security and personnel security.
The Australian Government is working hard to reduce the risk of terrorism. Recent initiatives include an increased intelligence capacity, strengthened defence forces, the updating of anti-terrorism laws and comprehensive testing of Australia’s counter-terrorism arrangements under the National Counter-Terrorism Plan.
The Government is also working with the owners and operators of our critical infrastructure to ensure that the systems we rely on, such as power, water, banking, communications, food, transport, health and emergency services, are adequately protected.
The Business-Government Advisory Group and the Trusted Information Sharing Network are just two of the forums set up to allow businesses and government to work together on national security issues.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller site provides information about the travel situation in each country and advice for recreational and business travellers.
Australia’s State and Territory governments can also advise businesses in their jurisdictions about their programs for security awareness.
Publications
The Good Security—Good Business booklet aims to raise awareness about risk management and business continuity amongst small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Infrastructure information in the public domain - A guide to mitigating security risks provides organisations and businesses with general, practical and effective advice on how to manage information they have made, or are considering making, publicly available.